The purpose of the annual Central European Energy Conference (CEEC) is to discuss and assess topical issues relating to energy security and climate policy in Central Europe in the context of EU policy development and implementation. The CEEC conference has two ambitions: first, to bring together leading stakeholders from Central Europe’s energy sector, and second, to help find better energy and climate policy solutions for the whole of the EU with a more proactive and engaged role for Central Europe. 

CEEC XVIII will address global challenges in the energy sector while stimulating regional dialogue. A key focus will be on energy security—particularly reducing reliance on Russian energy imports, seeking alternative suppliers, and accelerating the deployment of domestic energy sources and nuclear energy. Furthermore, addressing climate policies remains an ongoing challenge, and discussions on the further decarbonization of the energy sector are especially timely. With the newly elected European Commission from June elections preparing to decide the future of the European Green Deal, there are many uncertainties regarding the energy transition and how member countries, especially those in Central Europe, will respond to upcoming legislative proposals. We therefore pose several questions that need to be discussed to find solutions among various stakeholders: How can we further strengthen energy security? How can we reduce emissions while maintaining competitiveness? How can we avoid dependence on critical raw materials in the field of renewable resources? How can we involve local governments in the energy transition?